Research & Development Scientist I/II - Product Development/Commercialization
Job Description
Summary
Our Research and Innovation department is at the forefront of product development and innovation. It is easy to be dedicated when you’re a part of something much bigger than yourself. We’ve got an unbridled appetite for making a difference. The ideal Food Scientist I/II - Product Development/Commercialization candidate will have an integral role in leading the product development of our next wave of product innovations in healthy beverages and snacks, while also developing technical support for our growing dairy business. We are looking for a candidate with a strong food science foundation, constant curiosity, and a demonstrated expertise in product innovation, to help Chobani advance its mission of making healthy and delicious foods for all.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research and development plans and strategies for product development in support of company objectives, on new food platforms beyond yogurt
- Craft and conduct experiments based on project objectives, excellent record keeping, data collection and analysis and preparing project summaries
- Plan and carry out development work in lab and pilot scale; design, develop, and lead tests to qualify new products and to support changes to existing products
- Conduct and develop new analytical measurements in support of new product designs & new processing technologies
- Coordinate technical development projects focusing on product development, process, and product care to help Chobani improve and launch more innovative food and beverage products
- Lead and document development projects all the way from conceptualization to commercialization – this includes budget and target within certain time constraints
- Communicate project requirements and recommendations as well as status to internal customers and external collaborators
- Lead, assist, and work directly with plant processing and production personnel to ensure trial runs and start-up operations are properly performed
- Follow Chobani’s safety procedures and Good Manufacturing procedures and practices
Requirements
- Minimum B.S. in food science or related degree. Advanced degree strongly preferred
- 3+ years of food industry experience required, dairy beverages and/or non-dairy is preferred
- Extensive ingredient (stabilizers, alternative sweeteners), flavor development, and product stability knowledge
- Background in process and product development and commercialization of food processes is required. Dairy or Dairy Alternative processing would be a big bonus.
- Record of leading product development projects including timeline development / management, testing / trials, operational launch, and scale
- Familiarity with basic research tools and statistical analysis
- Succeed in ambiguity and motivated by the process of building something from the ground up
- Highly developed curiosity for understanding complex food systems from a physical and chemical perspective
- Maintain clean & safe manufacturing environment within all facilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Must be a self-starter able to work in a fast-paced environment and balance multiple projects/tasks at any given time
- Willingness to travel (25%)